Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP
Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP

Weathering Tests and Accelerated Life Time Cycling

Climatic test chamber
© Fraunhofer CSP
Climatic test chamber (46 m³, -60…+100°C, 10…90% relative humidity) with sun simulator radiation unit AM1.5 with 1000 W/m² for an exposure area of up to 6 square meters.

To assess the aging and weather resistance of PV modules, we examine impacts that have an effect on degradation under defined test conditions. At the Fraunhofer CSP few carry out standard climatic tests as defined by IEC 61215:2016 and extended tests individually specified by our customers, or combinations of the standard tests. We have climate chambers of various sizes at our disposal to examine the aging of materials, components and complete modules.

Services

  • Light exposure (stability test) in conformity with IEC 61215:2016 MQT 19
  • UV preconditioning test in conformity with IEC 61215:2016 MQT 10
  • Damp heat tests (85°C/85% r.h.) in conformity with IEC 61215:2016 MQT 13
  • Humidity freeze tests in conformity with IEC 61215:2016 MQT 12
  • Thermal cycling tests (85°C/-40°C) in conformity with IEC 61215:2016 MQT 11
  • Static mechanical load test in conformity with IEC 61215:2016 MQT 16
  • Combined UV damp heat test
  • Snail trail test
  • Testing the susceptibility of solar modules to PID in conformity with IEC TS 62804

Examples

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Voltage distribution wind load
© Fraunhofer CSP
Voltage distribution of the solar cells of a framed module under wind load.

Thermomechanical Assessment of Embedded Solar Cells

A conventional solar module based on crystalline cells consists of a front glass pane, a polymer film for encapsulating the cell string, and a back sheet composite. The embedded solar cells are exposed to mechanical and thermomechanical stresses during production and operation, such as are caused by the lamination process, temperature changes and mechanical loads (wind and snow load) on the modules. These stresses were quantified as part of the Solarvalley peak clusters project »xμ-Modules«. In addition, the team has found measures in the production process or the mechanical system to improve the reliability of the solar modules. For this purpose, finite element simulation is an important aid.